Physics – 3.2.2 Refraction of light | e-Consult

Answer:

Again, we use Snell's Law: n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂

Here, n₁ = 1.33, θ₁ = 60 degrees, n₂ = 1, and θ₂ is the angle of refraction.

So, sinθ₂ = (n₁/n₂)sinθ₁

Substituting the values: sinθ₂ = (1.33/1)sin(60°)

We know that sin(60°) = √3/2 ≈ 0.866.

Therefore, sinθ₂ = 1.33 * 0.866 ≈ 1.141

However, the sine of an angle cannot be greater than 1. This indicates that total internal reflection is occurring, and the light is not refracting into the air. Therefore, the angle of refraction is 90 degrees. Alternatively, we can say that the light is undergoing total internal reflection, and the angle of refraction is undefined in the traditional sense. However, for the purpose of this question, the expected answer is 90 degrees.